Special Education
Individualised academic, cognitive, and life-skills support for children with learning differences, intellectual disabilities, and developmental challenges.
IEP-based
every child has a written, measurable Individual Education Plan
TEACCH & ABA
evidence-based structured teaching frameworks at the core
Coordinated
integrated with speech, OT, and behaviour therapy for a unified plan
What is Special Education?
Special Education at DCCD provides structured, individualised learning support for children who require modified teaching approaches due to intellectual disability, autism, learning differences (dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia), ADHD, or developmental delays. Our Special Educators work alongside the therapy team to bridge the gap between clinical intervention and real-world academic and daily-living functioning. Every programme is built around the child's unique learning profile, strengths, and goals — not a generic curriculum.
Who benefits
- Children with intellectual disability (mild, moderate, or severe)
- Autism Spectrum Disorder with academic support needs
- Learning differences: dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia
- ADHD with significant academic impact
- Children with global developmental delays
- Non-speaking or minimally verbal children requiring alternative learning approaches
- Children transitioning between school systems or inclusion settings
Our approach
Evidence-based methods selected and combined specifically for each child's profile — never a one-size-fits-all programme.
Individualised Education Plan (IEP)
Every child receives a comprehensive IEP with measurable goals across academic, communication, social, and life-skills domains — reviewed and updated with parents every 3 months.
Structured Teaching (TEACCH)
Visual, predictable, structured learning environments that reduce anxiety and maximise independent task completion for children with autism and intellectual disability.
Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) Principles
Discrete trial teaching, errorless learning, and systematic prompting hierarchies to build new skills efficiently and measurably.
Multisensory Learning
Orton-Gillingham-based multisensory reading and numeracy instruction for children with dyslexia and related differences — engages visual, auditory, and kinesthetic pathways simultaneously.
Life Skills & Independence Training
Practical self-care, safety, money, time, and community skills taught systematically for children whose goals extend beyond academic benchmarks.
What to expect
Special Education sessions are 40–60 minutes and are highly structured with visual schedules and predictable routines. Sessions may be one-on-one or in a small group of 2–3 children with similar learning profiles. The Special Educator coordinates with your child's speech therapist and OT to ensure strategies are aligned across all settings. Parents receive a written home plan after every session block, along with regular IEP progress updates.
Book an assessmentRelated conditions
Frequently asked questions
Ready to take the first step?
Our intake assessment gives our clinical team the information needed to build the right Special Education plan for your child.